Start your business checklist

You’re ready to take the plunge to get your business going. Use our guidance and tools to help you through the phase of getting your business established - from finding and managing money to choosing premises and hiring staff.

1
Structure your business

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2
Name your business

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3
Register your business

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4
Buy a business

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5
Find money

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6
Manage money

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7
Choose your premises

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8
Hire staff

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9
Protect your business ideas

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How other local entrepreneurs got started

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See.Sense.

Philip McAleese used crowdfunding to develop his technology business
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Home Restaurant

Stevie Haller tested his restaurant idea as a pop-up shop
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Jude Cassidy Textiles

Jude Cassidy found local support and funding for her creative business

Tools and resources to get you started

Ten tips for choosing a business name

Your guide to choosing the right name for your business

Recruitment forms and templates

Free templates to help you recruit, shortlist and interview new staff

Ten essential tips for managing your finances

How to plan, organise, control and monitor your business finances

Advantages and disadvantages of starting a business from home

What to consider when starting your business from home
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Legal structures for businesses

Company, partnership or sole trader?

Buy a franchise

Find the right franchise opportunities for you

Latest events

Business support

Search all support
Go For It

Local council support to start a business

Explore Enterprise Programme

Unemployed support to start a business